Avoidance Quote by Sonali Deraniyagala
““I must stop remembering. I must keep them in a faraway place. The more I remember, the greater my agony. These thoughts stuttered in my mind. So I stopped talking about them, I wouldn't mouth my boys' names, I shoved away stories of them. Let them, let our life, become as unreal as that wave.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Colors of Water, Sonali Deraniyagala, 2018
She describes suppressing memories of loss to avoid pain, creating emotional distance from her children.
In simple terms: She hides painful memories to lessen suffering.
Key Takeaway
Allow grief, but seek healthy processing.
Themes
grief
memory
pain
avoidance
Mood
sad
reflective
Type
personal
therapeutic
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- journaling
- support groups
- memorial rituals
Key Concepts
trauma
psychological defense
emotional coping
Questions to Reflect On
- How does avoidance affect long‑term emotional health?
- What healthier ways can one honor lost loved ones?
A Different Perspective
Suppressing memories can hinder healing and prolong unresolved grief.
